Abhyanga: an ayurvedic massage for healthy living

All of a sudden 2020 has changed from being the Age of Information to the Age of Immunity. The public attention which was scattered all over has rallied towards just one point – Immunity Boosting.

One such ancient immunity-boosting technique is Abhyanga – An Ayurvedic Body massage.

Abhyanga literally means a strong body. In the great classics of Ayurveda, Abhyanga is recommended as a part of the Dinacharyas (daily routines) for a healthy living. It reduces stress, promotes relaxation and is good for the skin. It improves flexibility in the joints and makes skin supple. Abhyanga improves the blood circulation in the body which helps detox the body of all accumulated chemicals. Abhyanga helps pacify Vata aggravation. It regenerates the entire body and that can help increase the life span.

PROCEDURE OF AN AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

Massage is usually done in the mornings and with the palms in the direction of the hair.

Massage is started at the head by applying warm oil in the scalp

The arms, spine and back are massaged with vigor.

The head, chest, stomach and pectoral areas are gently breezed. Special attention is given to gently massaging the ear.

The joints are massaged in a circular motion, so are the marmas. Circular motion allows oil to penetrate deeper.

The massage ends at the feet and then the person takes a steam bath.

AYURVEDIC EXPLANATION TO OIL MASSAGE

According to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, Oil rich in nutrients is applied and massaged on the skin penetrating and directly nourishing at least five of the seven Saptadhatus. This nourishment of the dhatus is a major boost to one’s immunity.

SCIENTIFIC BACKING

Researchers from Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Nagarcoil in their paper titled “Role of Abhyanga (Oil Massage) to lead a Healthy life” suggested making Abhyanga a part of one’s daily routine can hypothetically treat any condition depending on one’s age because the process nourishes every part of the body and gives special emphasis on the marmas or points of high impact.

BENEFITS OF AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

Stress Reliever & Blood Pressure Management: Stress and health related problems are always interlinked. Abhyanga relieves stress and also pacifies the Vata dosha and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. It also helps in the management of blood pressure.

Annetrin Jyette Besler’s paper titled “Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage on Subjective Stress Experience” in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine found the massage helped reduce stress in subjects. The results also showed a reduced heart rate and blood pressure.

NOURISHMENT AND IMMUNITY BOOST

Scientific studies have shown that Ayurvedic massage enhances the natural defense system of the body by producing more antibodies and white blood cells. This increases the body’s defense to infections and diseases.

Oil nourishes the hair and prevents hair fall. Studies have also shown that regular use of oil of the skin nourishes the skin and makes it suppler.

Researchers from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore in their study titled “Improvement of balance in progressive degenerative cerebellar ataxias after Ayurvedic therapy: A preliminary report” reported a positive progressive improvement in health and balance of patients with progressive degenerative cerebellar ataxia.

This again implies the nourishing potential of Ayurvedic body massage.

INDICATIONS

Enhances Blood Circulation

Toning of Muscles

Improves Sleep quality and quantity

Detoxifies the body

Strengthens vision

Soothes sensory organs

Alleviates roughness

Promotes hair growth

Aids remove wrinkles

Improves concentration

Improves Skin

CONCLUSION

An Ayurvedic body massage is one of the best ways to boost your immunity and at the same time feel refreshed and energetic. Once upon a time it had the backing of an ancient tradition, today it is backed by modern science.